Has your cat eaten some paper? Are you worried the paper will make your cat sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when our feline fur babies eat something they shouldn’t!
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In this article, we’ll take a look at paper and whether or not it can make your cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is Paper?
We’re all familiar with paper; however, it’s still helpful to go over what it is, etc. Paper is a thin piece of material that’s made from processed cellulose fibers, which usually comes from wood, rags, grass, or other plant material.
The making of paper goes back all the way to China in the 2nd century BCE. There, the pulp was used to create paper. In fact, the word paper is derived from the Latin word papyrus, which is a Greek word that refers to the papyrus plant.
Paper is generally thought to be safe for humans; however, what if your cat eats paper? Could paper make your cat sick?
Paper & Cats
The good news is that if your cat happens to only eat a small bite of paper, then she will be OK. The problem comes if a cat eats paper on a regular basis.
The problem with paper is that it may contain chemicals, dyes, wax, bleaching agents, and more. These can be toxic if ingested too often. Another problem that can develop is an intestinal obstruction in the cat’s digestive tract. This is a very serious medical condition, which can lead to death if untreated.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Paper Ingestion in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has had a small bit of paper to eat:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
If your cat is showing these symptoms, she should be OK. However, if diarrhea and vomiting last longer than 24 hours, then it’s time to call the vet and follow their instructions.
For cats that have eaten a large amount of paper, you may notice these symptoms if they’ve developed an intestinal blockage:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain/swelling
If your cat is showing these symptoms, then it’s time to call the vet. This is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Treatment for Intestinal Blockage in Cats
Treatment for intestinal blockage in cats usually results in emergency surgery. The surgery is done in order to safely remove the blockage from the cat’s digestive system.
The good news is that most cats who receive prompt medical care will go on to make a complete recovery.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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